Page 60 of Gwen's Delta
Hugging Destiny, he whispered, “Thank you. And Zip said he’s been texting you, but you haven’t answered. Will you call him before he loses his mind?”
“Damn. I had my phone in my purse. Sorry. I’ll calm him down,” she said, then turned toward Gwen. “See what you have to look forward to?”
Gwen smiled, and Merlin wondered how much Destiny had shared about him while they were together.
* * *
Gwen didn’t say much during the ride to Ft. Hood, and Merlin let her have time to process everything. Once they got on the plane, there would be no quiet unless the guys went to sleep. He doubted that, especially since they were flying on a private plane.
Roe had said Sand arranged for a Gulfstream jet to take them to Egypt. If it was anything like he’d read about, they’d be traveling like rock stars. How he’d arranged for the jet, Merlin didn’t want to consider. After working with the CIA for so many years, there were some things better left alone.
The others were waiting at the airfield as he pulled up. After grabbing their bags, he went around to the passenger side to help Gwen out of his truck.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Yeah. I mean yes,” she answered with more determination than he expected.
“They are great guys and will do everything in their power to keep you safe and rescue your parents.”
“Destiny said the same thing.”
“Good.”
Roe stepped forward and extended his hand. “Ms. Dedmond, I’m Commander Turano. I’m sorry to meet you under these circumstances.”
“Commander,” she answered, taking his hand. “Are you coming, too?”
“No, I’ll be monitoring the mission from here. It’s just Merlin and his team. But you’re in excellent hands.”
Gwen nodded, and her eyes grew wide as each of his teammates stepped up to introduce themselves. They were all at least as tall as Merlin, and they dwarfed her five-foot frame.
“Don’t smother the woman,” Merlin grumbled as they’d surrounded her.
“The money is on board. It’s stowed in the rear under one of the convertible beds. I double checked. I still don’t trust Sand,” Turano said quietly.
“Me, either. Considering Hassan is dead, and he was deep cover, you’d think they’d be more concerned.”
“Exactly. Watch your six, and I’ll be trying to figure this out from here.”
“Thanks.” He glanced over at the guys, barely able to see Gwen’s head from the middle of the team. “I still wish we could leave Gwen here.”
“I know, but you need her.”
“Copy that. See you in a few days,” Merlin said and saluted his CO.
“Time to go,” he said as he broke through the circle of guys.
At his words, a flash of fear dimmed Gwen’s green eyes, but it disappeared almost as fast as it appeared. “Let’s get my parents.”
“Hell, yeah,” the team responded as they made their way up the steps of the Gulfstream.
After stowing their bags, they settled into seats in the first-class accommodations. There were no flight attendants on board, but whoever got the plane ready had made sure the galley was well stocked. Talk about flying in luxury.
“Is this how you usually travel?” Gwen asked as she fastened her seatbelt.
“I wish,” Jangles said. “Usually, it’s whatever will get us there fastest. This is a first.”
“Does that mean I’m your lucky charm?”
